Jonathan Toews' return to Chicago was SENSATIONAL to watch

It was an emotional game in the Windy City as longtime former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews made his return to the United Center for the first time as an opponent. Also, the first time since April 2023, where he played his last game as a Chicago Blackhawk against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 37-year-old veteran received a heartfelt tribute and a four-minute standing ovation from 19,894 Blackhawks fans in attendance in the first period of the game in his return to Chicago. This was an emotional game for Blackhawks fans and the city of Chicago.

This was the first time Toews was playing in Chicago since signing with his hometown Winnipeg Jets this season. He played 15 seasons with the Blackhawks, serving as team captain and leading the team to three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, and 2015). He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 for playoff MVP and was the second-youngest captain in NHL history at age 20 to win the Stanley Cup in 2010.

On-Ice Performance

Toews, unfortunately, had no points in this game. Some Blackhawks fans wanted to see him score or at least have a point in this game. Despite having no points, he still had a solid night. He logged in 18:06 of ice time, had two shots on goal, two hits, and 18 shifts. He won 41.7% of his faceoffs in the Jets' 2-0 shutout loss to Chicago.

Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill talked about Toews' return to Chicago and how special the night was. "It was incredible," he said. "I've never seen anything like it, to be honest, and I've seen some pretty cool moments. It was really, really neat. Honestly, it's one of those moments where you just feel lucky to be a part of it."

But Toews wasn't the only Chicago star to be in the building. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, nicknamed PCA, were also in attendance for his return.

This was different from Patrick Kane's return to Chicago. Kane scored in his return in 2024 on Chris Chelios' jersey retirement night. But overall, both returns were great. Even though Toews is on the Jets and Kane is on the Red Wings, both are still Blackhawks legends.

The MadHouse on Madison was electric, as always, in Toews' return. This was one of the greatest games of the 2025-26 season for the Blackhawks and one of the best games in the franchise's 100-year history. It was a memorable night at the United Center.